Liposuction, in general, is a widely-known procedure that provides a “quick fix” solution to stubborn fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise. Millions of Americans have sought and learned about what types of liposuction procedures there exist.
Tumescent liposuction has been one of the most historically common methods used by cosmetic surgeons. This option is more effective, safe, and less painful than traditional fat removal procedures. It is even performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning there it does not require anesthesia, lowering liposuction’s risks and complications. This also allows for a less time-consuming recovery.
Tumescent liposuction can harmlessly eliminate fat from pretty much any area in the body where fat is stored. These target body parts include the ankles, calves, knees, butt area, inner and outer thighs, back, hips stomach, breasts, chin, and neck. This procedure can also eliminate lipomas, treat extreme sweaty underarms, or reduce enlarged male or female breasts.
Preparation for Tumescent Liposuction
If you have been thinking about getting tumescent liposuction, it is vital to get in touch with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist to take all your expectations and concerns into consideration and ensure this procedure will meet them.
Once you have discussed your various options, the doctor will take a look at your skin and which areas you would like to address. They will perform an entire physical examination that gives them the information they need require to proceed. During the consultation, you will also shoot photos for your records to help compare before-and-after results.
Once you have decided to go through with getting tumescent liposuction, your doctor will give you specific steps you must follow before surgery. The surgeon should be made well aware of any medication or supplements you take; they will also indicate what you can and cannot take before going under the knife.
Tumescent Liposuction Prices
The cost of tumescent liposuction ranges from $2,000 to $6,500 per area treated; this number does not involve the price of anesthesia and other fees, so adjust your estimation accordingly.
Tumescent Lipo: The Procedure
First, the doctor will inject a solution containing local anesthesia and epinephrine into the areas slated for fat removal. This solution causes the targeted body part to swell and become firm, enabling the surgeon to have more control and accuracy. Besides anesthetizing the area, the solution makes the blood vessels temporarily decrease in size, which reduces the blood loss during the surgery. These effects assist in lessening swelling, bruising, and pain during patient recovery.
Once the solution is inside the body, the doctor will make a small size incision to introduce the cannula (a thin tube that sucks the fat out of the body). The surgeon will move the cannula back and forth while vacuuming the excess fat into a sterilized collection system. To keep the skin compact and help it heal, the doctor will have you wear an elastic compression garment.
Recovery from Tumescent Liposuction
After you have finished surgery and are using your compression garments, you will receive local anesthetics the day after to lessen pain. This allows for the pain and discomfort to be more manageable with just Tylenol. Most people will experience considerable soreness that can almost always be suppressed.
Patients leave alert and able to function without feeling nauseous or groggy. Walking is considered part of and encouraged during the healing process. You can even return to work a couple of weeks later, in the case that your job does not require physical labor.
Almost all of the bruising should disappear a few days after the treatment. Swelling may take longer to reduce, and you also may be asked to wear a compression garment during this period. You will be able to see improvements within the first two weeks, although it can take up to a couple of months for them to ultimately appear in full.